Four million dollar city support package announced

In response to the unprecedented situation being faced, the City of Adelaide is quickly taking action by introducing a broad package of support for the city – including a three-month rent-free period for all tenants in Council-owned buildings.

This follows the Council recommendation requesting that a package of support is developed for local residents and businesses to address the social, cultural and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A full list of measures supported by Councillors in the significant $4 million package include:

100% rent free for three months for lessees of Council-owned buildings (small business operators)

100% rent free for three months for community leases of council-owned buildings

100% rent free for three months for Adelaide Central Market Tenants

Waiving of the separate rate for the purpose of managing and marketing the Rundle Mall precinct (Rundle Mall Marketing Levy) for three months

Establishing a Small Business Task Force to work in collaboration with Business SA and other agencies tasked with the support for city businesses

Making the city accessible by creating more flexibility regarding on street parking regulations.

Support for our city communities – especially our vulnerable communities

Information letter with communication options to all ratepayers to be delivered this week.

Increasing City of Adelaide’s cleaning regime to ensure the city is kept as clean and hygienic as possible.

Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor is writing to residents and ratepayers to explain the considerable new measures being put in place to support the community during this prolonged difficult period.

“This is the time for us to make effective decisions that will support businesses and residents as much as we possibly can, as well as the most vulnerable within the community,” said the Lord Mayor.

“We make these decisions knowing that there will be a significant impact to our budget, but we take our duty of care to public health and our duty to support city businesses very seriously."

“We are also incredibly mindful that elderly, homeless, Aboriginal and vulnerable members of the community need the most support and are receiving our assistance through a number of programs and initiatives."

“We are fully aware that this will be one of the most difficult periods to work through, but we will do it together, to ensure we contain the spread of coronavirus and manage its impact on the community as best as we possibly can.”